Sundargarh Bandh Over CBI Probe Demand Into Death Of 2 Odisha Govt Officials Tomorrow

Rourkela: The Odisha Mahila Morcha of BJP has called for Sundargarh bandh on October 5, seeking a CBI probe into the recent deaths of Rourkela assistant collector Sushmita Minz and Udit Nagar police assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Alisa Narmi Lugun.

“The assistant collector was found dead in a pond in the steel city under mysterious circumstances. How could she drown in a six-foot deep pond? The administration is saying that she was suffering from depression. If they were aware of her mental condition then why no appropriate steps were taken in this regard. Why was she staying in a hotel and not in any government accommodation? There are many loose ends in the case,” former Union Minister and Sundargarh BJP MP Jual Oram told mediapersons.

The senior BJP MP further claimed that Lugun, who died after being allegedly assaulted during a scuffle while restoring law and order after a accident on the ring road of the city, was the personal security officer (PSO) of the deceased assistant collector. “Why no security was provided to her PSO?” Jual asked, while seeking security for Gurundia BDO, who he said was asked to provide counselling to Sushmita.

He said that these incidents have enraged the tribal community. “We have already met Rourkela SP and sought a CBI probe into the two incidents. We have called for Sundargarh bandh on October 5 to press for the demand,” said the former Union Minister.

Sushmita’s brother Sandip also told the media that he is seeking answers in the mysterious death of his sister. “The footage from nearby camera does not show her entering the park. A CBI probe can only unravel the truth,” he added.

He had earlier raised finger of suspicion at Sundargarh Collector, Rourkela ADM, Gurundia BDO, Gurundia child development project officer (CDPO) and Lugun. “They knew where my sister was and whom she had met between September 16 and September 17 evening, when she checked into a hotel. Why was she kept in a hotel instead of the circuit house when she was there attend an official meeting? My sister was not suffering from depression as being claimed by the officials,” he asserted, adding that she had promised to celebrate his birthday and party with the family on September 21.

“Now, I have reasons to believe that the ASI was also eliminated to protect big names during the inquiry,” he added.

Sushmita was found dead in a pond of newly-constructed Sensory Park here on September 19 evening.

Meanwhile, Rourkela SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra has ruled out any link between the two deaths. He also clarified that Lugun was not the PSO of the assistant collector and she was also not assigned any investigation duty related to her. “The assistant collector had never sought any protection,” he further said.

The SP said that a senior police officer, who is in charge of Crime against Women Cell, is probing Sushmita Minz’s case in a free and fair manner. “On basis of the complaint lodged by her family, a case has been registered under Section 302 of the IPC,” he informed.

DCP-rank officer Banita Majhi is conducting the probe and she also questioned Gurundia BDO Benati Lakra and CDPO Fuljensia Ekka Ekka in connection with the incident during the day, the sources added.